GBS in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know About Risks, Testing, and Treatment

Pregnancy often comes with a whirlwind of tests and terms, and one you might encounter is Group B Streptococcus (GBS). In this episode of Birth Unboxed, I break down everything you need to know about GBS: what it is, how it’s tested for, the risks it poses, and how it’s managed in different countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia.

We’ll explore the benefits and risks of antibiotics during labor, the chances of GBS infection and complications, and how to monitor your baby for signs of infection after birth. This episode is packed with facts to help you make informed decisions about your care during pregnancy and birth. I’ve also provided links for further reading below. Hope this episode has been helpful.

Additional Resources for Further Information

1. Evidence Based Birth (EBB):

   • A highly trusted resource providing research summaries on GBS testing, risks, and treatment options.

   • Visit: www.evidencebasedbirth.com

   • Search for: "Group B Strep and Antibiotics in Labor"

2. Group B Strep Support (GBSS):

   • A UK-based charity offering comprehensive resources, FAQs, and research updates about GBS.

   • Visit: www.gbss.org.uk

3. Cochrane Library:

   • A leading source for systematic reviews on healthcare topics, including GBS screening and treatments.

   • Visit: www.cochranelibrary.com

   • Search for: “Group B Streptococcus”

4. La Leche League International (LLLI):

   • Offers information on breastfeeding, including how antibiotics during labor might impact the newborn's gut microbiome.

   • Visit: www.llli.org

5. World Health Organization (WHO):

   • Provides global guidelines and research on GBS prevention and management.

   • Visit: www.who.int

   • Search for: "Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy"

6. PubMed (National Library of Medicine):

   • A research database with peer-reviewed studies on GBS, antibiotics, and the microbiome.

   • Visit: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

   • Search for terms like “GBS antibiotics microbiome newborn” for the latest studies.

7. Microbirth (Book & Documentary):

   • A resource exploring the critical role of the microbiome in birth and how interventions like antibiotics may affect long-term health.

   • Learn more: www.microbirth.com

These sources offer balanced, research-backed information to help women make informed decisions about GBS, antibiotics, and their options during pregnancy and labor. I recommend checking multiple sources to feel confident in your choices.